In 1866, German Colonists established the Anaheim Cemetery as the first public cemetery in Orange County. Many of the early leaders of Anaheim and Orange County are interred here. The Community Mausoleum was built in 1914 as the first mausoleum on the West Coast. The Pioneer Memorial Archway, donated by F.A. Hartman, was erected in 1917. — Map (db m58908) HM

This statue is the oldest public works of art project of its type in Orange County. Sponsored by the State Emergency Relief Administration, the Anaheim Rotary Club and the City of Anaheim, it was originally dedicated on September 15, 1935.
Depicted is Polish actress Madame Helena Modjeska, who established an artist's colony in Anaheim in 1876. On the reverse side are four vineyard workers representing the agricultural nature of the original Anaheim colony. — Map (db m51967) HM

Kate and Ella the daughters of the Rea Family were early settlers
of Anaheim. The family named their ranch "Katella Ranch"
after their daughters. The original Anaheim wagon track was
later named after them and is now Katella Ave.
Artist: Ramon G Velazco
June 2008
Developer: Anaheim gradenwalk II, LLC City of Anaheim Public Art Program — Map (db m55371) HM

In 1869, near this location, Mr. Benjamin F. Kellogg helped establish the pioneer farming community of Fairview. In 1870 Mr. Kellogg donated land for the first Fairview school, built at today's Ball Road and Euclid Avenue. By 1888 the school, one of Orange County's first elementary schools, was severely overcrowded. A new larger school was built at this current site in 1888 at a cost of almost $7000. First known as the New Fairview School, later West Anaheim School or West End School, it was . . . — Map (db m59762) HM

This courtyard was dedicated September 17th 1999 in loving memory of Michelle Carew. Her spirited battle against leukemia raised awareness of the National Marrow Donor Program throughout this country. In the process, her legacy has saved countless lives. “When she went to sleep, she woke up the world.” — Map (db m311) HM

First house built in Anaheim, 1857, by George Hanson, founder "The Mother Colony", group selecting name given settlement. This German group left San Francisco to form grape growing colony. Southern California Vineyards became largest in California until destroyed, 1885, by grape disease. Colony started producing Valencia oranges. Here once resided Madame Helena Modjeska, and Henry Sienkiewicz, author of "Quo Vadis". — Map (db m50119) HM

This house was built in 1857 by Mr. Geo. Hansen the promoter of that little colony of Germans who founded what is now the City of Anaheim, and originally stood on N. Los Angeles St. between Chartres & Cypress Sts.
The building was a gift from Mr. E.E. Beazley and the lot on which it now stands was donated by Marie Horstmann Dwyer in memory of her parents who were pioneers and purchased the land October 1st, 1860.
That the pioneers of Anaheim and what they did for us shall not be . . . — Map (db m51963) HM

Anaheim's first building constructed exclusively for library use was erected in 1908 with a grant of $10,000 from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The site was purchased with funds raised by popular subscription. This building was designed by Los Angeles architect Johnn C. Austin. Of the five Carnegie-funded libraries in Orange County, only this one remains. It served as a public library until 1962. — Map (db m50042) HM

Ramon Peralta built this adobe dwelling in 1871. His grandfather, Juan Pablo Peralta, was co-grantee with Jose Antonio Yorba of the only Spanish land grant in Orange County, the Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana, upon which the old Peralta settlement was located. The adobe was restored in 1985. — Map (db m50017) HM

The original townsite of Anaheim was surrounded by a living fence of willow trees to keep out the livestock which roamed freely on the open range. This is the site of the gate that was opened to permit travel to and from San Pedro and Los Angeles. — Map (db m49990) HM

The walls of this House of God are hallowed by the prayers of countless worshippers. For nearly a century the mellow tones of its bell have called the faithful to prayer, announced weddings with joy, and tolled in grief for those who have passed beyond. — Map (db m49995) HM

According to legend, Lester Pelton got his idea for a more powerful waterwheel from seeing a cow stick its nose into a stream of water. Patented in 1878, the divided metal cups of Pelton's wheel worked much the same way as the cleft between the cow's nostrils, enabling water to flow out to the sides, instead of bouncing straight back out of the cups. The water-powered wheel sent compressed air through pipes to drive pumps, drills, triphammers, and hoists in the mines. This simple concept proved . . . — Map (db m55369) HM

How the Dolbeer Donkey steam engine got its name is one of the real mysteries of the West. Some folks say it was called a "donkey" because loggers thought it was too puny to merit a horsepower rating invented by John Dolbeer, this portable steam engine first appeared in the redwoods near Eureka, California in 1881. The tiny, but mighty machine could be hauled to remote mountaintops and equaled the power of many horses, mules and oxen to reel in huge logs. A few steam donkeys still stand in . . . — Map (db m55365) HM

The course of oil production was changed in 1899 when the Olinda area became the first site in California to use the technique of drilling with the hole full of water. Having been developed as a source of fuel oil for for the Santa Fe Railroad, Olinda became a bustling boomtown at the turn of the century. Its demise came with construction of Carbon Canyon Dam in 1959. — Map (db m50337) HM

On this site, Edward L. Doheny drilled the first oil well in the Olilnda field in 1897. Olinda #1, drilled to 806 feet, pumped about 50 barrels per day (bpd). By 1898, ten wells were drilled, some producing up to 100 bpd. In 1899, the Santa Fe Railroad built a branch line to the oil field, and the settlement of Olinda was founded. This historic place is preserved to commemorate the pioneering spirit of the people of Olinda. — Map (db m50045) HM

Since its establshment in a newly created Orange County (1889), the Buena Park Woman's Club has influenced the civic life of its community. The club helped establish a volunteer fire department in 1915, a library district in 1919, and the town's first electric street lights in 1910. This Spanish Revival clubhouse was built in 1931 with funds raised by members. From that time, it has served as a local social and cultural center. — Map (db m50036) HM

Founded as a 10-acre farm in 1920 by Cordella and Walter Knott, developer of the boysenberry. From berry fields came a tea room, berry market, nursery and one of the Nation's oldest themed amusement partks now on 150 acres with authentic replicas of a ghost town, gold mine, and our Independence Hall. — Map (db m50002) HM

Established 1889 as the Pacific Condensed Milk, Coffee and Canning Co. by J.M. Pitblado. First evaporated milk cannery in California and the first industry in Buena Park. The Bixby family owned the factory from 1896 until it closed in 1907. Site was later used as a tomato cannery. — Map (db m49986) HM

This home of early Spanish Californians, erected in the 1820's, once served as an "estancia" or station for mission herdsmen. It was dedicated in 1963 for public use by the Segerstrom Family and restored by the City of Costa Mesa. It is jointly maintained and operated by the Costa Mesa Parks Department and the Costa Mesa Historical Society. — Map (db m50306) HM

This adobe building was constructed about 1820 as part of an outlying mission stock headquarters to shelter the herdsmen who cared for the cattle from Mission San Juan Capistrano. After secularization, the property continued as a cattle ranch through the 1860s when Diego Sepulveda, after whom it is named occupied it. Floods and drought ended the cattle industry by the 1870s and the building served as a farmhouse until 1963 when the Segerstrom family donated the adobe and 5 acres of land to the . . . — Map (db m79043) HM

Named for Richard Henry Dana, author of "Two Years Before the Mast", who visited here in 1835. El Embarcadero, the cove below, was used by hide vessels trading with Mission San Juan Capistrano. This trade reached its peak in 1830-1840. In 1818 pirate Hipolito Bouchard, flying an Argentine flag, anchored his fleet here while raiding the mission. — Map (db m50346) HM

In dedication to Don Hansen and Dana Wharf Sportfishing, the first business operating out of Dana Point Harbor. Dana Wharf Sportfishing originated Whale Watching for Orange County and founded the Dana Point Festival of Whales and Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights.
Don Hansen has been a great example of strong business leadership in Dana Point Harbor, and is appreciated for his dedication and service to the Harbor community over the past 40 years.
Dana Wharf Sportfishing - May 1971 — Map (db m60798) HM

Homesite of Roch and Magdalena Mogari Courreges. Roch, a Basque sheep rancher, farmer and businessman, came to the area n 1878 and purchased "the Bluff" in 1896. He was a founder of the First National Bank of Huntington Beach, the Smeltzer Telephone Company, and the Farmer's Cannery. — Map (db m50014) HM

First City Hall
In the early 1960's a new Elementary School was built and the old school was used as City Hall from 1962-1964. The old school was built in 1920
First School
The first school was started in Sycamore Hall during the early 1900's. Replaced by new building in 1920 which served as City Hall from 1962 until 1964. — Map (db m62269) HM

Navy purchased the land in 1943. Fixed wing planes used the airstrip into the 1950's. In 1952 Marine Helicopter pilots practiced take-offs and landings at this site up through the Vietnam era. — Map (db m59761) HM

The Hoffman family arrived here about 1910. A son Ed and his wife Elsa were very active during the City incorporation. Many meetings and City business were conducted in their home. — Map (db m79867) HM

Original Circus Site
The Escalante Circus placed its tent here for its annual performance. The circus parade started here, moved east to Ward, north to Warner, west to Wintersberg (now in Huntington Beach) and returned.
First Post Office
In 1899 a Post Office was established in Fountain Valley in the Country Store. Renamed Talbert due to duplication. Combined with Santa Ana in 1907. Redesignated Fountain Valley in 1957.
Country Stores
Between 1896 and 1898 a country . . . — Map (db m59053) HM

In 1944, Frank and Dolores Lucero purchased 40 acres at this intersection. They previously farmed in Seal Beach. Dolores didn't want to leave the house so it was moved to this location while Dolores and a few kids were inside. — Map (db m59554) HM

Local landowners gave Sam Talbert the job of draining "Gospel Swamp." He built a river levee, and dredged huge ditches on the east side of all major roads that ran south to the ocean. — Map (db m59489) HM

Wardlow Home
Bruce and Martha Wardlow came here in 1896. He farmed 300 acres and was very prominent in local affairs.
Red Car
The Santa Ana/Huntington Beach Pacific Electric Spur Line began transporting people in 1909. In 1922 the line closed for passenger service and the lines were torn out in 1930. The Red Car ran along Bushard. — Map (db m59492) HM

Offering its first courses on September 25, 1913 to 28 students, Fullerton College is the oldest community college in continuous operation in California. All the college classes were held in the Fullerton High School facilities until 1937 when the first building was completed on the campus. — Map (db m50001) HM

This two-acre site is dedicated to preserving a visible link to early Garden Grove. Edward G. Ware settled here in 1876 becoming a prominent rancher. His daughter L. Agnes Ware Stanley, was an early school teacher. Deeded in 1970 to the Garden Grove Historical Society by the Stanley Family. — Map (db m49992) HM

A stylish two story Zigzag Moderne market was built and operated in 1926 by Roy de Britton and his son Bob.
The open air market contained a meat market, produce counters and the rainbow lunch counter, a popular meeting place. Night time protection was provided by front iron scissor gates.
As early as 1926, a market was operated on the site by J.W. McIntosh along with the Harris Homemade Candy Store, run by Joe Harris. — Map (db m51965) HM

This 1926 structure is an excellent example of Lombard Romanesque Revival architecture. The school site was donated in 1908 to the five year old Huntington Beach Union High School district by the town developers, the Huntington Beach Company. Designed by Allison and Allison and built during the local oil boom, this landmark building continues to represent the spirit and pride of the community. — Map (db m50021) HM

Duke Kahanamoku, three time Olympic gold medalist swimmer, public servant, goodwill ambassador of the State of Hawaii, and considered by many to be the father of modern surfing. In the early 1920's, the Duke surfed under Huntington's Pier. In his 70's, he returned to Huntington Beach to help promote the U.S. Surfboard Championships. For many years the championships were dedicated in honor of Duke's contributions to the sport of surfing. He will long be remembered for his principles of fair play, good sportsmanship and his gracious aloha spirit. — Map (db m51964) HM

This rustic cabin was erected in 1924 by the Lions Club, local carpenters union and Edison Company as a center for scouting in Huntington Beach and has been in continuous use by Troop 1, Boy Scouts of America, ever since.
The cabin was completely renovated by the adults and friends of Troop 1 in 1974, and upon recognition of its historical significance to the community has been designated as a historical site by the City of Huntington Beach and preserved for scouting forever. — Map (db m59874) HM

Three industrial buildings were located at 1980 Lake Street and were operated by Samuel R. Bowen and his partner, Sisti Siracusa, as the S.R. Bowen Company and the Bowen Fishing Tool Company. The S.R. Bowen Company was founded in 1920 and was credited with numerous developments of tools used in oil production in Southern California and worldwide. Some noteworthy tools produced included the Bowen L&L Spear (used to retrieve pipe from oil wells). The S.R. Bowen Company remained in Huntington . . . — Map (db m59873) HM

This windmill is one of 1,200 such water-pumping devices that once served the Irvine Ranch before modern water systems were available. Jim, a long-time employee of Irvine Ranch Water District, was responsible for dismantling and reconstructing it on numerous occasions as it was moved to various locations to preserve a piece of local history. This windmill will always serve as a fond remembrance of Jim. — Map (db m52247) HM

The townsite began in 1887 with the arrival of the AT&SF RR. James Irvine II chose this site to be the shipping center for crops grown on the Irvine Ranch, due to its high elevation. Original buildings remaining include the Bean Shed (1895), Bulk Storage Warehouse (1949), Blacksmith Shop (1912), Garage (1929), Tenant Farmhouse (1897), General Store (1912), and Hotel (1913). The hotel and store were moved from across Sand Canyon Avenue in 1986. — Map (db m50339) HM

This structure symbolizes the beginning of a new era of development in the rich La Habra Valley. The La Habra Line was one of the most significant in Southern California progress. Early crops and supplies to the new oil fields could be rapidly transported via the popular "red cars". — Map (db m49994) HM

The first post office, officially naming this settlement "La Habra," was granted in 1896 and was established in a corner of Coys Store, located on this site. El Camino Viejo, the old road between the missions, passed this corner, which became a central trading point in the fertile La Habra Valley. — Map (db m50004) HM

This site is on the northern edge of the West Coyote oil field, one of the largest fields in the Los Angeles Basin. This field produced about 250 million barrels of oil from sandstone at a depth of about 3,000'. West Coyote was active from 1903 to 1996, and it was one of the foundations of the oil industry in Southern California. This field played a significant role in the early history of both the city of La Habra and of Chevron Corporation.
On the flat land south of here Chevron operated . . . — Map (db m58909) HM

Before you are the white limestone remains of an 18,000,000 year old tropical shell reef. Formed in a shallow bay. It contains fossils of scallops, clams, and tube worms. Mudstones of the same age, found nearby, held fossil whales and shark teeth. Later, as the Santa Ana Mountains rose, the rigid limestone buckled and broke along small faults. We can now see evidence that tropical seas once covered the spot where you stand. — Map (db m50013) HM

The Laguna Beach Art Association, started by Edgar Payne, was a natural development of the art colony established about 1900. The first gallery was in Old Town Hall. The permanent gallery, constructed on this site in 1929, houses a collection of early paintings significant to Orange County and California. — Map (db m49985) HM

Vivid reminders of El Toro's past are preserved in Orange County's first historic park. The Serrano Adobe (circa 1883), El Toro Grammar School (1890), St. George's Episcopal Mission (1891), and Harvey Bennett Ranch House (1908) reflect the history of the area from the Rancho Canada de Los Alisos to its development as an agricultural community. — Map (db m50016) HM

The building and artifacts on this site are significant remnants of the history of Saddleback Valley. They serve as reminders that the efforts and accomplishments of those who lived here before us, are the basis of our communities today. — Map (db m76718) HM

The first sugar beet processing plant in Orange County was built here in 1897 on land donated by the Bixby Land Company. The industry brought jobs and development that created the new town of Los Alamitos. Although nematode infestation of the sugar beets and changes in the economy forced the plant to close in 1926, the town continued to grow. — Map (db m50041) HM

This nine-foot band saw is among the largest log saw ever used in the sawmill industry. It weighs over 38,000 pounds and has a blade that stretches over 56 feet in length. This saw was used to cut Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine logs up to ten feet in diameter and fifty-six feet in length. The lumber from just one of these giant logs would be enough to build two houses of about 1,500 square feet.
The machine was manufactured by the Filer & Stowell Company in 1900 and put into service by the . . . — Map (db m66262) HM

This spring and the sycamore trees mark the area of an adobe house and outbuilding built in the 1840s by Jose Serrano, whose Rancho Canada de los Alisos stretched to the north. Within a short distance were the two adobes of Juan Avila's Rancho Niguel, which extended to the south. The stage road, following the old Spanish "El Camino Real," passed between the two haciendas. This glen was a welcome stop for travelers. — Map (db m50038) HM

The main exhibit displays a fossil right whale skull in profile. It was recovered from the marine siltstone member of the Capistrano Formation (3.5 to 5 million years old) in the 1970's right here in Mission Viejo. It is a fossil skull from the family Balaenidea (Bowhead Whales and Right Whales).
The vertebral column on exhibit behind the whale skull although not associated with the skull, was also discovered in the city of Mission Viejo.
This fossil, which unearthed by the Mission . . . — Map (db m72036) HM

Dedicated to the valiant members of the historic Mormon Battalion who stopped here on March 20, 1847, as they marched from San Diego to Los Angeles. A division of the U.S. Army of the West, these brave soldiers, trusting in God, overcame incredible odds and faced unequaled hardships in extending the frontiers of our country to include this land of promise.
The 500 loyal men of the Mormon Battalion, recruited from the camps of the Mormon pioneers who had just been driven from the United . . . — Map (db m50351) HM

This park is dedicated in loving memory to Sergeant Matthew Ray Davis. A son, husband, father and hero to those he served in this community. He unselfishly gave his all to help those in need and was a dear friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was taken His life was taken in the line of duty on September 22, 2002 while in service to the community which he loved so much. May the memory of his life, his unselfish service, and his sacrifice live forever hearts. — Map (db m72143)

Originally dedicated on June 4, 1977 by the Mission Viejo Cultural and Heritage Association.
The Fossil was unearthed in the southern part of the city in 1976, and is a partial skull of a Baleen whale belonging to the Bowhead or right whale family.
Alive over 3.5 to 5 million years ago, this whale would have been over 58 feet long and weighed 50 tons with a skull 9 feet across and 14.5 feet long. This is the only fossil skull of this type on scientifically display in California. — Map (db m72035) HM

Famous as the home of Madame Modjeska, one of the world's great actresses, it was designed by Stanford White in 1888 on property called the Forest of Arden. Sold soon after her retirement, it remains a monument to the woman who contributed immeasurably to the cultural life of Orange County. — Map (db m50303) HM

This is one of California's last surviving examples of the great waterfront recreational pavilions from the turn of the century. Built in 1905 by the Newport Bay Investment Company, it played a prominent role in the development of Newport Beach as a seaside recreation area. In 1906, it became the southern terminus for the Pacific Electric Railway, connecting the beach with downtown Los Angeles. The railway's red cars connected the beach with Los Angeles in only one hour. — Map (db m50338) HM

Glen L. Martin flew his own plane, built in Santa Ana, from the waters of the Pacific Ocean at Balboa to Catalina Island, May 10, 1912. This was the first water-to-water flight and the longest and fastest over-water flight to that date. Martin, on his return to the mainland, carried the day's mail from Catalina--another first. — Map (db m50334) HM

The Santa Ana River once made an estuary along Mariner's Mile. The 1916 flood prompted efforts since to confine the river to its concrete bed on the border with Huntington Beach. A 1920 county bond issue enhanced the dredging of the bay to establish the present bulkhead line.
City pioneer James McFadden connected ocean-going trade with inland Orange County through Mariner's Mile, by horse-drawn wagon from 1870 to 1891, and by railroad afterward.
State Route One was completed through . . . — Map (db m81924) HM

The original wharf at this site was completed in the winter of 1888-89 and was connected by railroad with the hinterland in the winter of 1890-91. It served as a shipping and distributing point for Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties until 1907, and provided the nucleus from which developed the city of Newport Beach. — Map (db m50335) HM

On September 10, 1870, Captain Samuel S. Dunnells and William A. Abbott opened Newport Bay to commerce when they entered it for the first time on the Sternwheel steamer Vaquero. The landing was designated "Newport" - a new port - by James Irvine, Benjamin Flint, james McFadden, and Robert McFadden. The McFaddens operated a regular shipping service here during the 1870s and 1880s. — Map (db m50345) HM

Built near this site in 1928, the Rendezvous became a showcase for Big Bands, especially during "Bal Week." For 38 years, the sounds of dance music echoed from this block-long ballroom, which was destroyed by fire in 1966. The music and dancing have ended, but the memories linger on. — Map (db m50019) HM

Over 500 tons of salt produced per season! The upper end of Newport Bay was developed into a commercial Salt Works by the Irvine Company in 1934 to produce water softener salt. The plant was leased by the Western Salt Company in 1950.
Seawater + Evaporation + Settling = Salt
Seawater was collected and moved through a series of evaporation ponds until it became 100% brine. The water was then pumped into the crystallizer vats where two products were generated. The water was . . . — Map (db m81929) HM

In early descriptions it was known as Cerrito De Las Ranas, meaning the Hill of the Frogs. In the 1890s this hill became the scene of mining excitement. Its soil composition, very red in color, had caused early American settlers to name it Red Hill. This landmark is a physical reminder of our rich State and local history. — Map (db m51966) HM

Juan Pablo Grijalva, a Spanish soldier, came to California with the Anza Expedition in 1776. On this hill he built one of the first adobes in what is now Orange County. In 1801 he petitioned for use of the land that became the Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana. He died in 1806. His son-in-law Jose Antonio Yorba and grandson Juan Pablo Peralta repetitioned and were given use of the rancho in 1810. — Map (db m50040) HM

Portola camped on bank of Santa Ana River in 1769. Jose Antonio Yorba, member of expedition, later returned to Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana. El Camino Real crossed river in this vicinity. Place was designated Santa Ana by travelers, and known by that name until present town of Santa Ana was founded. — Map (db m50302) HM

This pioneering water project, a model of efficiency and economy, was first built of clay in 1879. After flood damage, it was rebuilt with rock and concrete in 1892. Each dam reached down to bedrock, forcing ground water to the surface where it was diverted for irrigation and domestic uses. Both were built by the Serrano Water Association and the Carpenter Water Company in cooperation with the Jotham Bixby Company. — Map (db m50028) HM

This is the home of Albert Sumner Bradford, built in 1902 on his Tesoro Rancho. Bradford founded the town of Placentia, helped to bring the railroad, and was president of the Chamber of Commerce from its beginning to his death in 1933. He organized the Placentia National Bank and the Bradford Packinghouse. — Map (db m50005) HM

These Australian nut-producing trees are the oldest Macadamia tetraphylla in California. They were planted prior to 1890 by a local spiritualist health colony, the Societas Fraternia. Members experimented with many varieties of fruits and nuts to enhance their strict vegetarian diet. The colony remained active until the 1920's. — Map (db m50018) HM

Two miles inland from this point, in Los Cristianitos Valley, the first Christian baptism in Alta California was performed by Padre Francisco Gómez, a member of the Portolá Expedition, in 1769. — Map (db m400) HM

Built in 1894, renovated in 1974-75 as a restaurant. The original Mission style, one of the first stations to use it, was retained. The interior is so small freight and passenger cars were added, and the exterior of the platform enclosed in glass to provide more seating space fot the restaurant. — Map (db m51941) HM

This 1830 structure is typical of San Juan Capistrano adobes of this period; thick walls and a wood shingle roof. The house was purchased by Domingo Oyharzabal in 1880 and occupied by his family for over 100 years. — Map (db m51939) HM

Neo-Victorian, built in 1883 by Richard Egan, surveyor, school trustee and justice of the peace. Rebuilt in 1898 after a fire. Known as "Harmony Hall", it served as Judge Egan's home, office and courtroom until his death in 1923. — Map (db m51940) HM

Built in the 1840's by Manuel Garcia, it originally had a second story over only half of the ground floor. In 1880 the remaining space was covered by a second floor and a balcony was added. It was a post office in the 1870's, a hotel from 1880 to 1903, and a general store from 1903 to 1918. — Map (db m51938) HM

[Eastern Side]
Historic Town Center Park
Today the San Juan Capistrano down town and Mission San Juan Capistrano are situated on the site of the Juaneρo village of Acjachema. History explains that in 1769 the first Spanish exploratory expedition, led by Gaspar de Portola, traveled north in California passing about seven miles east of here.
A site for the seventh California mission was selected in 1775 and Mission San Juan Capistrano was believed to have been founded three . . . — Map (db m51947) HM

Built in the 1840's by Manuel Garcia, a Portuguese merchant, this is the only surviving Monterey style adobe in Orange County. Owned by the Oyharzabal family since 1880, its uses have included: French Hotel, a general store and the town's first American era post office. — Map (db m50007) HM

"Jewel of the Missions" founded on November 1, 1776 by father Junipero Serra, most renown and most beautiful of the California Missions, Quaint little Serra Chapel is California's oldest building still in use. The magnificent ruins of the Great Stone Church are considered the "American Acropolis". — Map (db m51942) HM

Constructed in 1794 as one of forty adobes built to house mission Indians. Named for Polonia Montanez, a nineteenth century resident. Owned by Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Dunivin. Preserved by San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. Restored in 1981 by City of San Juan Capistrano and County of Orange. — Map (db m51935) HM

Built in the 1880's, this Victorian house was one of the town's first wooden buildings. It was moved from its original location across the tracks and about a block south. The building was restored in 1979. — Map (db m51937) HM

This jail cell was built in 1896 to serve as a holding cell for miscreants on their way to County jail. Originally located on the west site of Camino Capistrano at the intersection with Ortega Highway, it was the scene of several jailbreaks and one hanging. — Map (db m50015) HM

Founded in 1776 by Padre Junipero Serra. The seventeenth in the chain of twenty-one missions established in Alta California to Christianize and civilize the Indians. Stone church destroyed in 1812 earthquake. Expropriated during Mexican rule. Returned to Catholic church in 1865 by proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln. — Map (db m50226) HM

Antonio Valenzuela, early pioneer of the town of San Juan Capistrano, built the adobe in the early 1840s, probably on the ruins of a mission Indian adobe dating to the 1790s. Later Valenzuela family members worked as local cowboys or vaqueros. The adobe was damaged by fire in 1879; rebuilt ca. 1900, some portions endured until the 1960s. This site was also occupied by several thousand years ago by ancestors of the Juaneno (Acagchemen) Indians, as shown by artifacts recovered during 1988 excavations. — Map (db m51934) HM

Va. Jhs Ma. Jph
The Mission of San Juan Capistrano which is about to be established in the valley of the same name or in its vicinity between the Missions of San Diego & San Gabriel of the Earthquakes, about twenty leagues from both & too from the coastline of the South Sea, according to the agreement made between the Captain, Comandante Don Fernando de Riveray Moncada and the Father President of the Missions, Father Junipero Serra, on the thirteenth day of August 1775 by order and . . . — Map (db m54230) HM

The Los Rios Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places April 4, 1983. This District includes 31 historic structures which line both sides of the street from Del Obispo to Mission Street. The District's registered boundaries lie within the locally designated Los Rios Historic Area, a 40-acre planning area which includes homes, "cottage" businesses, a park, and museums, and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in California.
The District has many interesting . . . — Map (db m51946) HM

Built in 1900 of Arizona red sandstone, this is the oldest existing county courthouse in Southern California. Significant and far-reaching court decisions were handed down here, including the "Whipstock" case which dealt with slant oil drilling, interpretation of farm labor law, and the Overell trial resulting in law regulating explosives. — Map (db m50526) HM

Here on October 10, 1869, his 40th birthday, William H. Spurgeon climbed a sycamore tree to inspect this mustard covered valley. Impressed, he bought 74.9 acres of the Santiago de Santa Ana, and laid out a townsite between First and Seventh, Spurgeon and Broadway. — Map (db m49991) HM

Santa Ana's oldest assembly on its original site was completed on 1888 and dedicated Easter 1889. Consecrated by Bishop Joseph Johnson October 31, 1887, with Rev. W.B. Burrows, Rector. The building was designed of redwood by Ernest Coxhead with changes made in 1910 and later years. — Map (db m49983) HM

Soon after the founding of the Mother Colony at Anaheim in 1857, Anaheim Landing was established as a port of entry for the Santa Ana Valley by the Anaheim Landing Co. Despite the treacherous entrance conditions which caused several disasters, regular coastwise trade was carried on for about fifteen years. — Map (db m50304) HM

The Pacific Electric Southern District was completed in 1902. In 1903 Philip A. Stanton organized the Bay City Land Co. which developed the townsite of Bay City. "Red Car" service began in 1904 transporting tourists and early residents. The town was incorporated in 1915 and renamed Seal Beach. — Map (db m49989) HM

The Santa Ana Mountains, which encompass the canyons of Silverado, Modjeska and Trabuco, provided one of the last refuges for the state symbol, the Grizzly Bear.
At the turn of the century, beekeeping was an important local industry, providing not only product but also pollination service for area crops. Starting in 1903, it became evident that the marauding habits of at least one bear were disturbing the hives. With their livelihood threatened, the county game warden, Ed Adkinson, a . . . — Map (db m78516) HM

Located in Canada de la Madera (Timber Canyon), Silverado was a mining boom town founded in 1787 when silver was discovered nearby. During the colorful life of the boom, 1878-1881, miners, flocking to the area, established a thriving community, served daily by stage from Los Angeles and Santa Ana. — Map (db m50344) HM

In 1881, after the Southern Pacific took over the Santa Clara Coal Mine northeast of here, a bustling mining camp complete with hotel, saloons, shacks, store, and post office sprang up on these flats. Three years later the mine played out and Carbondale disappeared without a trace. — Map (db m50343) HM

This church is the oldest in Tustin, having been in continuous service since 1881. The original sanctuary contains pews which came around the Horn from the East Coast by sailing ship. — Map (db m50010) HM

This 14-room Victorian mansion was built by prominent California pioneer David Hewes (1822-1915). Known as the "Maker of San Francisco," he donated golden spike at Promontory Point and contributed greatly to local civic church, and agricultural development. — Map (db m49984) HM

This board and batten house, built in 1874 as a drugstore by Dr. James McCoy, first physician of Westminster Colony (founded 1870 by Rev. L.P. Webber), was the home of Marie Larter Hare, local educator, from 1912 to 1984. Restored in 1976 by Westminster Historical Society and City Council as a Bicentennial Community project. — Map (db m59556) HM

Built by Charles R. Post in 1937 to reclaim farmlands ruined by floods, the Post Brothers' Plow is considered to be the world's largest plow. Measuring 37 ft. long, 12 ft. high, and 11 ft. wide, with a blade of 86 in. it was pulled by five 100 drawbar h.p. D-8 Caterpillar tractors. — Map (db m50008) HM

Water from the Santa Ana River was largely responsible for the transformation of this arid valley into productive agricultural land. Irrigation companies in Orange County were in operation as early as the 1860s. The two largest were the Santa Ana Valley Irrigation Company and the Anaheim Union Water Company, operating into the 1970s. This headgate was used by the SAVI to divert water from canal to orchard. — Map (db m59529) HM

In 1912 Frank and Hannah Nixon built this modest farmhouse on their small citrus ranch. Here Richard Nixon was born, January 9, 1913, and spent his first nine years. He served his country as Congressman, U.S. Senator, Vice President, and 37th President of the United States (1969-1974). He was the first native-born Californian to hold the presidency. President Nixon achieved significant advances in international diplomacy by ending U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, opening lines of . . . — Map (db m50342) HM

On this land, portion of Santa Ana grant awarded by King of Spain 1810 to Jose Antonio Yorba, and additional grants to his son by Governor Jose Figueroa 1834, was created Hacienda of Don Bernardo Yorba. Greatest ranchero of golden age, Bernardo Yorga was third son of Jose Yorba, who came to California with Don Gaspar de Portola 1769, and established California's first family. — Map (db m50305) HM

In 1858, Don Bernardo Yorba, son of one of the first land grantees in Southern California and major landowner in his own right, set aside this land as a cemetery. For almost a century, members of many early California families were buried here. — Map (db m50009) HM